Event: Pumpkin Party on the Farm
Date: October 3, 2026
Location: Animal Assisted Happiness, Sunnyvale, CA
Population Served: Foster youth ages 3+
Under beautiful weather, 26 of our foster youth and 19 Court Appointed Special Advocates celebrated the start of the fall season at our Pumpkin Party on the Farm! From petting animals to carving pumpkins, there was a fun-filled fall activity for every youth.
Upon arrival, attendees were welcomed with a map highlighting all of the pumpkin-themed activity stations throughout Animal Assisted Happiness and an opportunity to partake in a scavenger hunt. Popular stations throughout the park included face painting, pumpkin carving, bedazzling pumpkin buckets, being grossed out from making puking pumpkins.
In addition to enjoying all of the arts and craft stations, our youth had the chance to interact with many adorable animals—petting guinea pigs and bunnies and even saying hello to goats. We also had The Red Ladder Theatre Company lead an animal stampede activity, inviting our youth to use their imaginations and mimic the animals they saw throughout the day.
As our day came to a close it was time for lunch. Our youth refueled with Togo’s sandwiches, fruits and more.
Events like these provide our foster youth with enriching experiences that contribute to their emotional and social development and create positive childhood memories. Interacting with animals, nature, arts and crafts and the community around them can reduce stress, improve mood and build confidence. These positive interactions are essential in nurturing our youth’s resilience and self-esteem.
We extend our gratitude to Animal Assisted Happiness, Santa Clara University’s Future Child Advocates Club, Spina Farms, our Facepainter – Maggie Ramirez, Red Ladder Theatre Company, staff and volunteers for LIFTING UP foster youth and making this event possible. We look forward to continuing to partner with local organizations like Animal Assisted Happiness to provide our youth with fun activities and access to nature.
